Palatine Gallery: Tickets and Tours

In 1550, Cosimo I de’ Medici and his wife Eleanor of Toledo acquired the Pitti Palace, which served as their grand ducal residence and became a striking emblem of the Medici family’s dominion over Tuscany.

Until today, the palace retains the name of its first proprietor, the Florentine financier Luca Pitti, who initiated its construction possibly based on a Brunelleschi's design in the mid-15th century.

The Palace, at present, is partitioned into five distinct museums. A Palatine Gallery ticket will give you entrance to the gallery itself, as well as the Gallery of Modern Art, Treasury of the Grand Dukes, Museum of Russian Icons and Palatine Chapel.

Check out our helpful guide about visiting the Palatine Gallery, one of the most enchanting museums in Florence.

How much do Palatine Gallery tickets cost?

One ticket will allow you to gain entry to all Palazzo Pitti collections including the Palatine Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, Treasury of the Grand Dukes, Museum of Russian Icons and Palatine Chapel.

• Adult single entry (age 18 and above): €17
• Combined ticket single entry (includes Boboli): €23
• PassePartout 5 consecutive day ticket: €39
• Reduced ticket (European Citizens aged 18-25 years): €3
• Pre booking for guaranteed entrance: €3

During the low season, from November to February, you can obtain a 50 percent discount if you buy your ticket before 8:59 AM and enter before 9:25 AM. A similar discount is available for tickets purchased for same-day entry after 3 PM.

In the high season, an early bird discount is also available, but at a less of a discount. Early entry tickets cannot be guaranteed.

Are there any discounted ticket rates?

Admission is free for children under the age of 3 years. A reduced ticket price applies to children between the ages of 3 and 17 years old.

Florence tour guides can also enter for free when they show their Tour Guide ID Card.

When is it possible to visit for free?

Children under 18 years of age, persons with disabilities and one accompanying carer, university scholars and lecturers, student groups and tour guides can enter the gallery at no cost. Supporting documentation such as ID may be required.

Galleries belonging to the Uffizi Galleries, including the Palatine Gallery, are open to the public for free on national holidays such Liberation Day, Republic Day and National Unity and Armed Forces Day.

Currently, the gallery also offers free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

You cannot book a ticket in advance for these days and priority access will only be granted to persons with disabilities and pregnant women.

Why should I book my tickets in advance?

Booking tickets for the Palatine Gallery in advance is always a good idea since most attractions and museums in Florence sell out very fast, sometimes weeks or even months in advance.

You can book your tickets online using the B-ticket to book your chosen date and time of visit. You will need to present this confirmation to gain entry. This is a preferred way of booking as you get guaranteed entrance on your chosen day. Present your email confirmation at the ticket office to get your tickets.

You can also make a telephonic booking or purchase tickets at several ticket offices throughout Florence.

What are the most popular Palatine Gallery tours?

You have the option to choose between a guided or self-guided tour to the Palatine Gallery.

Guided Tour of the Palatine Gallery

An expert guide will escort you on a small group tour of the Palatine Gallery. A pre booked tour allows you to skip the lines and delve into the history of Florence and the Medici family as you appreciate masterpieces by Caravaggio, Botticelli, Van Dyck, and Rubens.

You will visit the grand Royal Apartments and the Palatine Gallery, view the Gallery of Modern Art and see collections of pieces by Italian artists from the late 18th to early 20th centuries.

You can also book this tour on a private basis.

Combo Tours including the Palatine Gallery

Combo tours combine a visit to the Palatine Gallery and Pitti Palace with other attractions like the Accademia Gallery or Boboli Gardens.

What will I see inside?

The Palatine Gallery, situated in the grand Pitti Palace, is a treasure trove of Renaissance art. As you explore the gallery, you'll be treated to a rich panorama of artworks that span several centuries and artistic movements.

Most notably, the gallery is renowned for its collection of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries. The walls are adorned by works by some of the most eminent artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, including Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Rubens, and Pietro da Cortona.

The rooms of the gallery are also adorned with impressive frescoes, an example of which is Pietro da Cortona’s series of frescoes decorating the ceilings of many rooms giving a three-dimensional grandeur to the space.

The Palatine gallery isn't limited to paintings. It also hosts an impressive array of decorative art, including luxurious furnishings, sculptures, and ornate frames, each contributing to the the venue's unique atmosphere.

How to get there?

The Palatine Gallery is located in the Pitti Palace. You can walk to the location from the station via the Ponte Vecchio in under 20 minutes. Alternatively, the C4 bus travels from Stazione Scalette to Pitti.

What are the opening times?

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday between the hours of 8:15 AM and 6:30 PM . It is closed on Mondays as well as 1 January and 25 December. Tickets can be purchased until 1 hour before museum closing time.

Is it wheelchair friendly and accessible?

The galleries and sites of the Uffizi related museums aim to be as accessible as possible. At the Pitti Palace, there is a wheelchair ramp with a 20 percent slope to provide access. There are also lifts for access to all floors. A wheelchair accessible bathroom for visitors is located in the courtyard.

Complimentary wheelchairs and walkers are available to rent on a first come first serve basis. Guide dogs are permitted when properly harnessed, while other service dogs may be allowed entry if arranged in advance.

When is the best time for a visit to the Palatine Gallery?

The best time to visit the Palatine Gallery in Florence is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Winters in Florence are cold and rainy, but if you want to avoid the crowds and plan on perusing through several of the art galleries and museums that the city has to offer, this is definitely the best time to visit.

Florence's peak tourist season is during the Summer, with longer waiting times and crowded galleries. Waiting outside in the heat might be uncomfortable so if you want the best of both worlds, plan your visit for Spring or Fall.

Which other museums can be visited in Florence?

• Accademia Gallery
• Bargello Museum
• Medici Chapels
• San Marco Museum
• Galileo Museum
• Porcelain Museum
• Leonardo da Vinci Museum

Travel tips

• It's advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during tourist season, to avoid long lines.
• Consider options for combined tickets that may provide access to other parts of the Palazzo Pitti, such as the Modern Art Gallery or the Boboli Gardens.
• The gallery may have varying hours depending on the season or specific events so check the opening hours while planning your visit.
• While there's no strict dress code, it's good practice to dress respectfully when visiting historic and cultural sites in Italy.
• Guided tour options can provide a richer understanding of the artworks and history.
• Some museums and galleries have restrictions on photography, especially with flash, so be sure to check the gallery's photography policy.
• Keep an eye out for temporary exhibitions or events that might be taking place during your visit.
• A thorough exploration can take several hours — if you're pressed for time, research in advance which sections or artworks you want to see.
• Maintain a level of quiet respect in the Palatine Gallery, especially since it's an art space.
• If you plan to also visit the outdoor sections of the Palazzo Pitti complex, such as the Boboli Gardens, check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.